Dr. David James Warner

Dr. David James Warner, 34, passed away on March 24, 2023 in Birmingham, AL. He was a native of Destrehan, LA. He attended Kehoe-France School and graduated from Isidore Newman High School in 2006 where he was active in soccer and swimming. Following his graduation from Newman, David was awarded Tulane University's Dean's Honor Scholarship where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a dual major in Chemistry and Physics and a minor in Mathematics in 2012. During his time at Tulane, he taught math and science to elementary school students throughout New Orleans, and he was also an active member of the college fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). He also enjoyed being a lifeguard and teaching both children and adults how to swim as a Water Safety Instructor. Shortly after graduating from Tulane, David received a full scholarship to attend The University of Alabama's graduate program where he did research, worked as a graduate teaching assistant, and was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Organic Chemistry in 2020. The title of his dissertation was "Enhancing thermal isomerization rates of redox auxiliary-appended azobenzenes via redox auxiliary catalysis." His publications were included in the Journal of Organic Chemistry and book chapters in PATAI'S Chemistry of Functional Groups. David had a magnetic personality, was a great conversationalist, and had a zest for life. He enjoyed playing chess, Shakespeare, going out to dinner, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones. David also treasured time spent with his two cats, Mr. Sunny and Petey. David is now in Heaven with his brother, Scott Michael Warner, his grandfathers, James D. Warner, Jr. and J. David Kaaz, and his grandmother, Jean Warner. David leaves behind his parents, Bruce and Dr. Sandy Warner, his beloved sister, Melissa Warner, and the love of his life, Sarah Duckert. He is also survived by his grandmother, JoEtta Kaaz, aunts and uncles, Anne Richardson, Diane White, Stephen Kaaz (Vicky), Greg Kaaz (Connie), cousins Jody Kaaz, Reins Robertson, Jeff Kaaz, Matt Kaaz (Erin), and Lauren Kaaz. David will be missed every day. Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of David's life on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006. Visitation will begin at 12pm CDT and will be followed by a memorial service led by Pastor Michelle Harris from St. Charles UMC at 2pm CDT. The family asks that you please consider donating to the Humane Society of West Alabama in memory of David Warner, which was an organization that was important to him because he adopted his two cats from there. For more information, visit https://www.humanesocietyofwa.org/donate.